Kid’s Korner

April brings Kids Expo to Poughkeepsie, Legos to Lyndhurst, and sheep, sheep everywhere

By: Greg Ryan

KIDS EXPOApr. 4-5: This is it. The big one. The main event. The Super Bowl of Kid’s Korner. Kids Expo returns to downtown Poughkeepsie this month, and brings with it the street vendors, interactive booths, and general revelry that attracted nearly 20,000 people to the fiesta in 2008. This year’s edition includes a fire truck exhibition, a magic show, a parade (which begins Sunday at 12:30 p.m.), and music from children’s band Dog on Fleas. Proceeds from the expo benefit Abilities First, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, and the Jewish Community Center. Events take place at venues throughout downtown Poughkeepsie. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $6. 845-485-9803, ext. 500 or www.kids-expo.org

Lyndhurst, LEGO-style

LYNDHURST LEGO Fun at Lyndhurst Apr. 25-26: It’s LEGO-mania! LEGO-master Arthur Gugick displays his renowned LEGO replicas — think the White House and, yes, Lyndhurst Castle — and local kids’ LEGO robotics teams show off their technological marvels. Visitors can get their own hands on the famous building blocks during free play and a build-a-tower contest. Contact education curator Judy Biel at least a week ahead of time, and the museum will display your homemade LEGO constructions at the show — behind a velvet rope and everything! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $8, $6 ages 4-11, three and under free.635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-4481, ext. 43231 or www.lyndhurst.org

PHILIPSBURG MANOR Sheep-to-Shawl Apr. 18-19: Ring in spring by taking a step back in time — to the 18th century, to be precise. Then embark on a journey that details, step by step, how the old-timers converted sheep’s wool into cloth through the processes of shearing, dyeing, and weaving. The best part? Quick-footed Scottish border collies will demonstrate how their canine ancestors herded sheep together. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $12, $6 ages 5-17, under five free.381 N. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-3992 or www.hudsonvalley.org

In dogged pursuit of the sheep at Philipsburg Manor

CLERMONT STATE HISTORIC SITE The Chancellor’s Sheep and Wool Showcase Apr. 25: If Little Bo Peep did indeed lose her livestock, she should consider looking for it in the Valley — April, apparently, is a big month for sheep-related shindigs in the region. This annual event offers learn-to-knit sessions, T-shirt stamping, and plenty of opportunites to pet these suddenly popular wool-bearing farm animals. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $8 per vehicle.One Clermont Ave., Germantown. 518-537-4240 or www.friendsofclermont.org

MOHONK PRESERVE Spring Warm Up: Nature Games and Fun Apr. 8: School’s out for... well, in the case of many school districts during this particular week, only a few days (just two months ’til summer, though). Still, there’s no excuse to sit around the house now that the weather’s warmer. Get out in the sun and take part in these environmentally themed challenges, some of which could involve springtime creatures like the turtle and the frog. Recommended for ages 7 and up; registration required, and children must be accompanied by an adult. 10-11:15 a.m. $10, under 12 free.Rte. 44/55, Gardiner. 845-255-0919 or www.mohonkpreserve.org

MID-HUDSON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Robin Hood Apr. 9: The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company ventures all the way from the West Coast (home of the redwood forest, not to be confused with Sherwood Forest) to present the timeless tale of the Prince of Thieves. The energetic children’s troupe encourages — nay, insists — that audience members actively participate in the telling, so prepare to cheer on heroic Robin, boo the odious Sheriff of Nottingham, and produce the hoots and hollers necessary to warn the Merry Men of impending danger. 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. $5.75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie. 845-471-0589 or www.mchm.org